## Cambium Data Blog
Cambium Data has been serving the Omaha area since 2009, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.
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# Are You Doing Everything You Can to Safely Replace Your Hardware?
[Cambium Data Blog](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/categories/blog) [Security](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/categories/security)
[Tony Underwood](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/blogger/tony-underwood)
Monday, 27 January 2025
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Have you just purchased a new computer? That’s awesome! But what about your old one? You can’t just toss it in the trash—there’s a safe way to handle it to protect your personal info and help the environment. Let’s go over what you need to do.
## Step 1: Protect Your Data
Your old computer is full of personal stuff—photos, passwords, documents, and more. If someone gets their hands on it, they could access all that info. Before you do anything else, back up anything important and delete everything from the old computer. A regular factory reset might not be enough to erase your data fully, so use special tools or software to make sure no one can recover it. If you’re unsure how, ask someone who knows about data security.
## Step 2: Don’t Ignore Broken Devices
Even if your computer is dead, your data might still be stored on it. The parts that hold your info, like the hard drive, often survive when the rest of the computer breaks. That’s why you should always wipe your data before throwing away or recycling a broken device.
## Step 3: Find a New Use
If your old computer still works, don’t just get rid of it! You could give it to a family member, a friend, or even donate it to someone who needs it. Just be sure to erase all your personal data first. Or, you can repurpose it—like turning it into a digital photo frame or using it as a second screen. It’s a great way to give the device a second life.
## Step 4: Recycle Responsibly
Recycling is the way to go if your computer can’t be reused. But be careful—some recyclers don’t handle electronics responsibly. They might send your device to a landfill overseas, where it could harm the environment and people’s health. Look for a recycler with a good reputation for handling devices in a safe and eco-friendly way.
If you’re unsure how to wipe your data or find a responsible recycler, we’re here to help. We can guide you through the process to make sure your old device is handled the right way. Give us a call today at (402) 514-3200.
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[Security](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/tags/security) [Gadgets](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/tags/gadgets) [Technology](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/tags/technology)
[ Reducing the Risk of Tech Sprawl ](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/reducing-the-risk-of-tech-sprawl)
[ The Tech Landscape is Likely Going to Be a Mess Th... ](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/the-tech-landscape-is-likely-going-to-be-a-mess-this-year)
About the author
[  ](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/blogger/tony-underwood)
[Tony Underwood](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/blogger/tony-underwood)
[ ](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/blogger/tony-underwood)
Tony Underwood, Founder and President of Cambium Data Inc. has proven himself as one of the top internetworking experts in the industry. Mr. Underwood began his IT career in 1991 in the US Navy working on critical military computer systems. He grew his computer and networking knowledge through a number of different IT jobs from desktop support all the way up to leading the Network Engineering organization of a multi-billion dollar international company. Mr Underwood was recognized as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert [\#7112](https://connect.directive.com/v4_6_release/services/system_io/Service/fv_sr100_request.rails?service_recid=7112&companyName=Dti) in March of 2001 and in 2022 he achieved the lifetime status of Cisco CCIE Emeritus
Author's recent posts
[More posts from author](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/blogger/tony-underwood)
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[ Wednesday, 02 September 2026 How to Avoid the 4 Common Backup Failures ](https://cambiumdata.directivesites.com/blog/how-to-avoid-the-4-common-backup-failures)
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Thursday, 03 September 2026
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